Gretzky didnt lift da puck

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1. Happy? My guy is out here being an absolute rockstar. Give this man a dangly earring and a pair of purple tinted shades. 2. Youthful scoring... (*cough cough) 3. Buddy is a rookie in the "E" so of course he's going to prepare the way any rookie would: Belly Button divin' and line ridin' 4. Blocked shots. Take a few rippers for the team. 5. Does Dave Grohl get nervous when playing a show? No. He slugs two pots of coffee like a psychopath and gets the place rockin'. Because That's What ROCKSTARS Do! 6. In all seriousness, I actually wear the same suit to every game. All navy. the only thing that changes are socks and the tie. The tie only if we lose. Like this is actually in real life...

STOCKHOLM, SWE - While the Stockholm Vikings are cruising through the VHLE season, the franchise's rookie standout, Mikhail Lospenov, has been caught in the middle of storm; a political firestorm. Lospenov, a Penza, RU native, has been the center of the media attention around the Vikings this week in the midst of growing tensions between Russia, Ukraine, and NATO allies. Earlier this week, reporters probed the teenaged winger for his opinion on his native country and its aggression toward its western neighbor. In a shaken state, Lospenov responded with an answer that has left many criticizing the youngster. “Wars happen,” spoke Lospenov. “Wars happen, and that’s never going to change. I hope there is no war, but if there is, I hope it ends quickly and we move on.” The response from Lospenov has drawn critics to say that the Russian native sees nothing wrong with the actions of Vladimir Putin and the Russian government. Others have drawn a conclusion that Lospenov’s words appear cold and undisturbed by the horrors of warfare. Lospenov’s agent, Christian Gostlivic, refuted the critics of the statements, saying: “Mikhail is a young man who is not involved with politics and is trying to remain focused on the goal of winning hockey games. To assume that these statements were made with mal-intent, is ignorance of the media when looking at a teenage boy.”

1. Not olive garden or Applebee's. That is a junior hockey reference and if someone gets that, we are cool. Let's be honest, it has to be the greasiest place on the planet with enough mom's for the boys to take home. 2. I don't know if there is such a thing as a favorite fruit... i guess apples? 3. Bro, cleaning. I'll do all the yard work and cooking. 4. probably @thadthrasher's birthday in college. I pulled the all-nighter the night before and then kept rolling. 5. Taco Bell. For reason's I will never be able to explain. 6. If anyone puts anything other than the 2004, Disney, Sports/Drama, 2 hour and 15 minute long, cinematic masterpiece, MIRACLE, then they are wrong and deserve to be traded immediately. There is only one movie and one movie only.

1. I hope so! That Lospenov kid is kinda good. 2. Our Glorious GM (all praises be to him) twisted my arm into devoting time into this while only casually disclosing secrets to be better... 3. Not really. If anything, the Lospenov family, especially Mikhail's older brother, definitely hates @thadthrasher and the Marlins. 4. I will fight people for every slice of French Toast. 5. Moose. There is nothing sarcastic or comedic here. Just a moose. 6. Definitely not what I do now. I wanted to be a pilot.

HOUSTON, TX: Houston Bulls forward Mikhail Lospenov has been turning heads on the ice this season with his red-hot start to the VHLM campaign, but it is his off-ice actions that are bringing him to the front pages. For outsiders to the Houston area, the sight of the name Lospenov on the front page of the news can cause for alarm, especially with the previous implications that name has held in the VHLM. Vanek Lospenov, Mikhail’s older brother, was notorious for finding himself on the news for the wrong reason. Mikhail, in his second season in the VHLM and first with Houston, has garnered the attention of the local media for a much different reason; his charitable work. Since his arrival in Houston via a trade from the Mississauga Hounds on November 17, Lospenov has been spending his free time assisting with non-profit organizations through community initiatives. Most recently, Lospenov partnered with the Houston-based Family to Family Network to create more avenues for providing necessary care to members of the organization’s programs. Family to Family Network, which provides “invaluable resources to children and adults with special needs” in the Houston area, initially received a handful of community service hours from the 18-year-old Lospenov, but has now received an even greater gift from the Bulls forward. On Monday, the organization announced that Mikhail Lospenov had become a “principle partner” of the Family to Family Network. The announcement came as Lospenov donated two million dollars to the program in order to cover the salaries and costs associated with hiring two additional case management and outreach positions within the non-profit. “Where I grew up, there are very few resources for those with special needs,” said Lospenov, a native of Penza, Russia. “It was disheartening to see children with disabilities being neglected and overlooked, and I couldn’t let this opportunity go by without stepping up. When you are given a chance to have money and some influence, the least you can do is help someone in need.” When the board of Family to Family Network approached Lospenov about ways of commemorating his contributions to the organization, Lospenov refused, citing that the deed was not an excessive effort, but rather a necessary one. “This isn’t something that I want to be held on a pedestal for,” Lospenov explained. “This is my good deed, my way of giving back to the community that has welcomed me in with open arms. Houston is my home, now, and I want to see everyone being able to enjoy this city and this life to the fullest potential. That is why I did what I did and not for the accolades.” Early Tuesday morning, the Bulls joined Lospenov in his efforts to support the program, and pledged to match Mikhail’s donation and subsequently donate funds from an undetermined promotional night to the efforts of the Family to Family Network. “Seeing my team, and this organization rally behind this cause and help contribute to the success of these children is heartwarming,” said Lospenov. “This organization is so much more than just a hockey team; It’s part of the community.” Lospenov and the Bulls are currently in second place in the Western Conference standings with 16 points from an 8-4-0 record.

HELSINKI, FIN – Russian-born forward and third-round selection, Mikhail Lospenov, has signed an entry-level contract with the Helsinki Titans, the team announced on Tuesday. Lospenov, 18, was selected with the 40th overall pick in the S81 Entry Draft after a VHLM rookie campaign that saw the young winger produce 102 points in 72 games for the Mississauga Hounds. Of those 102 points, Lospenov’s 46 goals led all Hounds skaters in that department. “This has always been a dream of mine,” said Lospenov after signing his contract. “Not only do I have an opportunity to play for a first-rate organization, but I get to be in Europe and close to home.” While the deal puts Lospenov under contract to the Titans, his debut will likely come further down the line. He is expected to play with the Houston Bulls in the VHLM, who he was recently traded to, or possibly with the Stockholm Vikings under Thad Sales, who was the previous General Manager of the San Diego Marlins and was at extreme odds with Lospenov’s older brother Vanek.

HOUSTON, TX – After a shortcoming in the VHLM Playoffs last season, the Houston Bulls added what they hope will be a key offensive piece in Mikhail Lospenov via a trade with the Mississauga Hounds. Lospenov, a Penza, RU native, spent his rookie season in Mississauga, and despite a less-than stellar performance from his team, he dazzled throughout the 72 games that he appeared in. Over the season, Lospenov led the Hounds in goals with 46 tallies and finished second in points behind teammate Nayt Bedard with 102. Breaking the century mark in points is nothing new for a skilled player in the VHLM, but what impresses about Lospenov’s line is that the Russian forward did so in his first professional campaign and on a team, that, to put it softly: was horrific. The “clutch factor” was truly present for Lospenov in his opening campaign in the league, as the winger marked four game-winning goals and turned away 43 opponent shots on the defensive side of the puck. “I take pride in stepping up in those big moments for my team,” said Lospenov in an interview with the local CBS affiliate this week. “You don’t wake up and say, I’m going to be the guy who wins the game; You wake up and say I’m going to do what I can for my team. Sometimes that ends up meaning you have to get the job done, and that feels so rewarding.” Lospenov earned a respectable reputation within the fan-base for his dedication to victory, albeit a few of them, but the faith of the fans and the organization were put to the test in October. In what was a quickly exposed scandal, Lospenov’s agent, Christian Gostlivic, began probing VHLM general managers for trade offers to move his client to a more successful situation. Lospenov, who has been adamant of his exclusion from the conversations and decisions made by Gostlivic, quickly separated himself from the now unemployed agent. The scandal put a heavy weight on Lospenov to prove his devotion to the Hounds, but despite his best efforts, Mississauga made the decision to move on from the situation entirely by dealing Lospenov to the Bulls. “I’ve said this a hundred times, and I will say it again: I had no knowledge of my former agent’s dealings,” said Lospenov on VSN Tonight. “The situation was not ideal, but that happens with teams. You have a down season, you restock, and you build for the future. I wanted to be a part of that. I never wanted to leave.” Regardless of the situation in Mississauga, Lospenov may not have a choice in his timeline with Houston, as the forward is closing in on a call-up to the next Level. Drafted with the 28th overall pick in the VHLE Draft by Stockholm, Lospenov has an easily obtainable goal to strive for. Beyond the VHLE, Lospenov has, as of today, signed his Entry-level deal the Helsinki Titans of the VHL who drafted him with the 40th overall pick. The $5 million-dollar deal is enough to entice Lospenov to accelerate his development and leave the VHLM in the dust. Should he be eligible for the S81 edition of the VHLM, Lospenov will undoubtedly help propel the Bulls into a strong contender.

1) What are your thoughts on the award recipients for this season? I feel like there should be ties for some awards. There are some cases where there needs to be a clear winner. 2) Now that the draft has concluded, welcome to all our new players! Anything you'd like to say? I'm excited to join the team. I now have a goal to strive for. 3) What are your goals for you player this season? Further develop and actually make the VHL 4) What do you think our team goals should be? Develop into a cup contender and begin chasing a dynasty 5) If you could swim as fast as a motor boat, or float in the air as fast as a snail, which would you choose? I mean, the world is 70% water so it's turbo travel all the time if you can swim that fast. 6) What is the most important part of hockey training in your opinion? Having mits is great, but play recognition is forgotten about. That's what really separates good from great. 7) Tell me the best joke you've ever heard. ...The Buffalo Sabres... I'll be here all week!

MISSISSAUGA, ONT – Mississauga Hounds forward Mikhail Lospenov may be moments way from asking to jump overboard from the sinking ship that is the Hounds’ season. Lospenov, a rookie, stand-out winger, has seen his play continue to grow despite his team’s cataclysmic fall to the bottom of the Eastern Conference. Already with 20 goals in his rookie campaign, Lospenov has become a valuable trade asset for the Hounds. Christian Gostlivic, Lospenov’s agent, made a foreshadowing statement, Tuesday, about his client’s future north of the border. “Mikhail is a winner, that’s what he is,” he explained to reporters. “He wants to be in a winning culture and be able to grow at the same time. He needs that, now, while he is young and needs to be in a system that benefits him.” With the statement from his agent, Lospenov has now been eyed by a few teams who could be making a call to the Mississauga front office in the coming days.

MISSISSAUGA, ONT – After the Mississauga Hounds snapped their nine-game losing skid with a win last night, the attitude in the dressing room was anything but jubilant. The Hounds defeated the Las Vegas Aces 4-3 to break their streak, but as the horn sounded, there was no on-ice celebration as per the norm with a victorious club. Instead, nearly half of the Hounds roster reacted as if the game had resulted in a defeat, quickly turning and walking down the tunnel to the dressing room. The move left many in the stands and in the commentary booth perplexed. “Now, this is a first for me folks,” expressed Terry Borne perplexedly on the CBC broadcast. “I get that there isn’t much to celebrate at this point, but this is just bizarre. I have never seen anything like this in 31 years of broadcasting this sport.” The CBC crew, not getting the on-ice images that they were hoping for, cut to the camera that is mounted in the visiting tunnel in hopes of getting a different reaction, but they only saw the same filing of players to the dressing room. The one expression of emotion came just before the awaiting door to the Hounds’ room as winger Mikhail Lospenov gestured with a twirling-finger motion and let out a sarcastic “whoopty-doo” before crossing the door’s threshold. “Mikhail Lospenov’s reaction, especially without the knowledge that there was a camera trained on the tunnel, tells you everything you need to know about the mood in Mississauga,” said VSN Tonight’s Pierre Tuteau following the game. “The only people seeing that gesture and hearing the sarcastic remarks are those on the team and on the staff. He’s trying to send a message. He is trying to get a point across that something has to change.” Mississauga is now 16 points behind the Miami Marauders for last place in the Eastern Conference and third from the bottom in the entire league. With half of the season gone, there is almost no chance, barring a “Miracle on Ice“ level event. In most situations, teams would be dealing away veterans in order to stockpile picks for the future, but in the case of the Hounds, there are no veterans to trade away. “The best chance for the Hounds to try and improve by the draft is to start shipping out late picks and get into on round higher,” said VSN writer Dan Martin. Mississauga has a pair of 4th round picks to accompany a full slate of sections in the upcoming draft. One of those 4th round picks could be used as leverage, if not both, to move up to an early 3rd round or even a 2nd round spot if the situation is right. The issue with the higher pick approach is that it could leave the Hounds in a similar situation like they are currently in. As an alternative, Mississauga could dump a 4th rounder for a 5th and a 6th round pick or even another 4th and a player if their pick is high enough. At the end of the day, there is clearly concern amongst all involved with the Mississauga Hounds, and it will take a serious overhaul to try and right the ship.

MISSISSAUGA, ONT – Despite his outpouring of love for the Mississauga Hounds, forward Mikhail Lospenov is clearly concerned about his team’s trajectory after another pair of close losses. Lospenov, who racked up a pair of goals and an assist in losses to San Diego and Philadelphia, sounded dejected in his postgame comments on Wednesday night. “It doesn’t feel great at all,” he said somberly. “We have talent and have a great game plan, and despite that, we just keep coming up short. We have to learn how to win, it’s that simple. We are young, but we have to take responsibility and start playing like we are supposed to.” Despite Lospenov’s demeanor after the game, by all accounts, the locker room situation remains a positive light in Mississauga. The question becomes: Is there too much youthful ambition and camaraderie in the locker room to propel the team forward. The distinct lack of veterans with the Hounds could prove to be a continuing factor in this long skid.

Mississauga, ONT – The Mississauga Hounds continue to find themselves on the short-end of the scoreboard, as the team has continued its downward spiral in a five-game losing streak. The skid, which has seen the team's offensive production all-but grind to a halt, has plummeted the Hounds to last place in the Eastern Conference, a position that some are claiming is more fitting for the team than that of the earlier held spot of fourth place. "This is more like what we were expecting of the Mississauga Hounds before the season started," explained VSN's Maxime Fortier. "The hot start and great scoring from these young players just wasn't sustainable. At some point, you settle into the season, and once they have done that, we see the Hounds sift down to the bottom of the barrel." The offense started red-hot for the Hounds, but has tapered off, as the inexperience of the young players starts to shine through. While most would immediately point to the inefficient offense, the bulk of the weight has come baring down on the depth-lacking defense and goaltending. While there are few free agents that are the kind to immediately change the fortunes of a team, there are still a few that can help improve overall situations. With a number of players still available, there is a clear lack of players being attracted by Mississauga. "There is clearly something going on up in Ontario," explained Broken Glass' Nate Greier. "Nobody is going there to help. Nobody is going there to further their career. There is clearly something going on, behind closed doors, that we are not hearing about. The team tanking is not helping that cause either. I don't see things getting better for the Hounds any time soon." One of the biggest example of a missed opportunity in Mississauga happened just recently, as highly sought-after goaltending prospect Tadhg Byrne signed with the San Diego Marlins. While losing out in a free agent battle is common, the issue becomes that the Hounds did not pursue the 19-year old Irishman. Maybe, there are circumstances, that the public does not know, that led to the Hounds passing on the goaltender, but, when the need is great, is it irresponsible to not make the move? “Normally, a team that looks to rebuild will make moves to ensure that they have assets of value,” said Fortier on VSN Tonight. “The concerning thing about Mississauga is that they have a first round pick and that’s really it. They haven’t stockpiled picks, and the passing-on of Byrne makes me a bit concerned that the Hounds still haven’t decided which direction to take the team.” While the season is still young, the Hounds are in no way out of a postseason spot, as a nice winning streak could turn things around. The question is: Will that winning streak ever come. It is hard to say if a streak of significant length will be in store for the Hounds, but if it is going to happen, it needs to happen now.

Mississauga, ONT – The Mississauga Hounds, again, found themselves leaving the ice and staring up at a disappointing scoreboard after a two-game sweep at the hands of the Minnesota Storm. With just eight points through the first 11 games of the season, the Hounds have struggled to play consistently, earning a measly three wins through the start of the campaign. Through the losses so far, defense has been detrimental to the Hounds’ success, as the team holds a -17 goal differential, and the offense has been surprisingly less than impressive. With only 43 goals this season, the youthfulness of the Hounds has been on full display. With a draft class of future, star forwards, the Hounds are in a developmental mindset rather than a win-now mentality. The young guns are proving valuable assets, but there is little question that a veteran is needed to lead the core forward. The next couple of games could prove impactful on the overall outcome of the Hounds’ season. With four straight losses, the Hounds need to avoid allowing the skid to continue and the morale of the young draft picks to falter.